Disney Musicals in Schools

Disney Musicals in Schools ignites a passion for storytelling by building sustainable theatre programs in elementary schools. In 2025, Disney chose Starlight to collaborate with and implement the program in Kansas City.

GOALS

  • Create sustainable musical theatre programs in under-resourced public elementary schools.
  • Provide school faculty with the training and tools necessary to support student performance and production, and to empower them to do so.
  • Develop a critical awareness and appreciation of the arts within the school.
  • Develop a strong community including students, parents, faculty, staff, and neighbors.
  • Expose students and school faculty to the wide spectrum of skills that are developed when producing a piece of musical theatre, including: critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, communication, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.

2025-2026 PROGRAM DETAILS

Each year, Starlight selects up to five elementary schools in the Kansas City metro area to participate in the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Participation involves a three-year commitment, and selected schools receive free in-school support from Starlight Teaching Artists, free performance rights, and ShowKit materials.

June 9, 2025Applications open
October 6, 2025Applications close
October 20 – November 3, 2025Finalist candidate site visits
November 2025Selected Schools are notified
November 20, 2025School orientation and training at Starlight (3 hours)
December 2025 – May 2026Disney Musicals in Schools residencies (17 weeks)
May 2026School performances
May 2026Student Share Celebration at Starlight

Learn more about the program.

Applications are closed for the 2025-26 school year. Teachers and school administrators: If you would like to participate in a future school year, please submit an interest form.   

Teaching artists: If you are interested in working with this program, apply here. The 2025-26 school year deadline has passed, but we are always looking for future teaching artists.

For questions and more information, contact dmis@kcstarlight.com

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